Measurement and Definition of Gentrification in Urban Studies and Planning

Abstract

The amount of empirical research on the extent, causes, and consequences of gentrification continues to expand. This article reviews the methods utilized to delimit and quantify gentrification in the literature. Such measurement is undertaken in order to assess the consequences of gentrification, such as displacement, over various time scales and geographies. Recent research has demonstrated that the use of different quantitative definitions of gentrification may yield conflicting research results, and further, can muddy the waters for policymaking and political discourse. This article critically assesses the breadth of quantitative definitions and offers recommendations for future studies.